00 / Confusables
Everyday pairs
The ones that come up first: borrow and lend, say and tell, do and make.
25sets
01 / affect vs effect
Affect is the action of influencing something, while effect is the result that follows.
Side by side
Watch out
Wrong: The loud music did not effect his ability to concentrate.Right: The loud music did not affect his ability to concentrate.
Wrong: The cold weather had a negative affect on the crops.Right: The cold weather had a negative effect on the crops.
Remember
Affect = Action. Effect = End result.
Quick check
Fill the gap with one of the two options.
- 1.
Rising temperatures in the city could the performance of the electric vehicle charging stations.
- 2.
The new privacy updates will how users receive notifications on their smart watches.
- 3.
We are still studying the long-term of the policy change.
- 4.
Lack of sleep began to his performance during the morning meetings.
- 5.
The visual of the high frame rate makes the gaming experience feel much smoother.
02 / borrow vs lend
Borrow is taking something from someone; lend is giving something to someone.
Side by side
Watch out
Wrong: I had to lend a ladder from my neighbor to fix the roof.Right: I had to borrow a ladder from my neighbor to fix the roof.
Wrong: Can you borrow me your car for the weekend?Right: Can you lend me your car for the weekend?
Remember
Borrow is from; Lend is to.
Quick check
Fill the gap with one of the two options.
- 1.
I need to a portable charger before I start my long commute in the electric car.
- 2.
Remote workers often a desk at the local co-working space when their home internet connection fails.
- 3.
Could you me your umbrella until I get to my car?
- 4.
Students may up to five books from the library at once.
- 5.
Most fitness apps now allow you to your premium subscription features to a friend for a week.
03 / bring vs take
Bring describes movement toward the speaker or the current point of reference, while take describes movement away from the speaker or toward a different location.
Side by side
Watch out
Wrong: I'm at the restaurant now, so please take the keys to me here.Right: I'm at the restaurant now, so please bring the keys to me here.
Wrong: When you go to the beach, remember to bring plenty of sunscreen.Right: When you go to the beach, remember to take plenty of sunscreen.
Remember
Bring it here; take it there.
Quick check
Fill the gap with one of the two options.
- 1.
I am so glad you decided to some snacks to the party.
- 2.
You should your electric car to the charging station before we leave for the city.
- 3.
The courier will the signed documents to the head office this afternoon.
- 4.
The host asked everyone in the group chat to a sustainable snack to the football party.
- 5.
Please your tablet to the video call so you can share the new fitness app data.
04 / come vs go
Come indicates movement toward the speaker or listener's current or future location, while go indicates movement away from them toward a different destination.
Side by side
Watch out
Wrong: I will go to your party if I finish work early.Right: I will come to your party if I finish work early.
Wrong: Wait for me, I am going to you right now.Right: Wait for me, I am coming to you right now.
Remember
Come is toward me; go is away from me.
Quick check
Fill the gap with one of the two options.
- 1.
I need to to the city center to pick up my new electric car this afternoon.
- 2.
If you are already at the stadium for the match I can and meet you there.
- 3.
Please to our group chat video call later so we can discuss the new streaming series.
- 4.
I will to your house for dinner at seven tonight.
- 5.
They decided to to Italy for their summer holiday this year.
05 / do vs make
Do focuses on the action or process of performing a task, while make focuses on the result or the creation of something new.
Side by side
Watch out
Wrong: I need to make my laundry this afternoon.Right: I need to do my laundry this afternoon.
Wrong: She did a mistake on the final exam.Right: She made a mistake on the final exam.
Remember
Do the work; make the product.
Quick check
Fill the gap with one of the two options.
- 1.
Fans often use their phones to short videos of goals during a live football match for social media.
- 2.
The fitness app tracks how many minutes of yoga you each morning before starting your remote work.
- 3.
You should your research on electric cars before deciding which model fits your city life best.
06 / fun vs funny
Fun describes an enjoyable experience, while funny describes something that causes laughter or seems strange.
Side by side
Watch out
Wrong: The party was very funny and we stayed until midnight.Right: The party was very fun and we stayed until midnight.
Wrong: He told a fun joke that made everyone in the room laugh.Right: He told a funny joke that made everyone in the room laugh.
Remember
Fun is for a good time; funny is for a good laugh.
Quick check
Fill the gap with one of the two options.
- 1.
It felt to see the city streets so empty while everyone was watching the championship football match.
- 2.
Our remote team had a lot of playing that collaborative online game during the Friday social hour.
- 3.
There is a smell coming from the back of the refrigerator.
- 4.
Learning a new language should be a and rewarding process.
- 5.
The viral video about the cat trying to use a tablet was so that I couldn't stop laughing.
07 / hear vs listen
Hear is the physical sense of sound hitting the ear; listen is the mental act of paying attention to that sound.
Side by side
Watch out
Wrong: Can you listen the birds singing in the garden?Right: Can you hear the birds singing in the garden?
Wrong: I heard to the podcast during my morning commute.Right: I listened to the podcast during my morning commute.
Remember
Hear is passive; Listen is an action.
Quick check
Fill the gap with one of the two options.
- 1.
You should to the new true crime podcast while you commute to work on the train.
- 2.
Did you that strange clicking noise coming from the engine just now?
- 3.
I can the hum of the electric car as it pulls into the driveway next door.
- 4.
Modern fitness apps encourage users to to their bodies during a high intensity interval training session.
- 5.
I like to to jazz music while I cook dinner in the evening.
08 / know vs know how
Know covers facts and familiarity, while know how covers the ability to perform a task.
Side by side
Watch out
Wrong: She knows how the answer to the third question.Right: She knows the answer to the third question.
Wrong: I know to play the piano very well.Right: I know how to play the piano very well.
Remember
Know = Information. Know how = Ability.
Quick check
Fill the gap with one of the two options.
- 1.
Do you to fix a flat tire on a bicycle?
- 2.
Professional gamers to optimize their network settings to reduce lag during important online tournaments.
- 3.
Many young people in the city do not to repair a flat tire on an electric bike.
- 4.
She doesn't the new manager yet, but they meet tomorrow morning.
- 5.
I need to if the new streaming series will be available for offline viewing during my flight.
09 / learn vs teach
Learn is the act of receiving knowledge, while teach is the act of giving it.
Side by side
Watch out
Wrong: I want to teach how to speak French fluently.Right: I want to learn how to speak French fluently.
Wrong: Can you learn me how to use this software?Right: Can you teach me how to use this software?
Remember
Students learn; teachers teach.
Quick check
Fill the gap with one of the two options.
- 1.
Professional gamers often use streaming platforms to new strategies to their growing audience.
- 2.
Experienced remote workers can their colleagues how to maintain a healthy work-life balance.
- 3.
My father offered to me how to drive his manual car.
- 4.
It takes a long time to how to play the violin well.
- 5.
Many city residents use mobile apps to the most efficient routes for electric scooters.
10 / look vs see vs watch
Look is the intentional direction of the eyes, see is the automatic perception of an image, and watch is the sustained observation of something in motion.
Side by side
Directing your eyes toward a target.
Please look at the whiteboard while I explain the new grammar rule.
Noticing something through your physical senses.
Did you see that bright flash of lightning during the storm last night?
Observing a moving or changing subject.
We sat on the park bench to watch the children playing soccer.
Watch out
Wrong: I saw at the map but I couldn't find the street.Right: I looked at the map but I couldn't find the street.
Wrong: We stayed home to look a movie on Netflix.Right: We stayed home to watch a movie on Netflix.
Remember
See is a reflex; look is a choice; watch is a movie.
Quick check
Fill the gap with one of the three options.
- 1.
I can the city skyline through the window of my new electric car while driving home.
- 2.
I can the mountains from my bedroom window on clear days.
- 3.
He had to closely to see the tiny serial number on the battery.
- 4.
Many fans gather at the local pub to the football match on a large streaming screen.
- 5.
Please at the shared screen while I explain the new remote work policy for the team.
- 6.
I usually the evening news while I am cooking dinner.
11 / say vs tell
Tell requires a personal indirect object, while say focuses on the information itself and cannot be followed directly by a person.
Side by side
Watch out
Wrong: Can you tell what happened during the interview?Right: Can you say what happened during the interview?
Wrong: He said me that the flight was cancelled.Right: He told me that the flight was cancelled.
Remember
You say something, but you tell someone.
Quick check
Fill the gap with one of the two options.
- 1.
Our manager will the team about the new remote work policy during the video call tomorrow morning.
- 2.
He forgot to his boss that he would be late.
- 3.
What did the manager when you asked for a promotion?
- 4.
Please your friends to join the group chat so we can coordinate our plans for the festival.
- 5.
Fitness influencers often that consistency is more important than intensity when using a new workout app.
12 / speak vs talk
Speak focuses on the physical act of producing words or formal delivery, while talk focuses on the social exchange of a conversation.
Side by side
Watch out
Wrong: The professor will talk to the assembly at the graduation ceremony.Right: The professor will speak to the assembly at the graduation ceremony.
Wrong: I need to speak with my friends about the party tonight.Right: I need to talk with my friends about the party tonight.
Remember
Speak is a monologue; talk is a dialogue.
Quick check
Fill the gap with one of the two options.
- 1.
The director will to the press about the new electric car launch during the conference.
- 2.
She can four languages fluently including Japanese and French.
- 3.
Many professional gamers several languages to communicate with their teammates during global streaming events.
- 4.
I need to to my manager regarding the new project deadlines.
- 5.
We should about the latest fitness app trends over a coffee in the city center.
13 / since vs for
Since marks the specific starting point of an action, while for measures the total duration of the period.
Side by side
Watch out
Wrong: We have known each other for last Christmas.Right: We have known each other since last Christmas.
Wrong: I have been working here since three months.Right: I have been working here for three months.
Remember
Since = Start. For = Full length.
Quick check
Fill the gap with one of the two options.
- 1.
Most of the team has worked remotely from different cities the new policy started.
- 2.
The fitness app has tracked my daily steps without any technical issues three months.
- 3.
I have not seen any improvement in his performance the last meeting.
- 4.
She has been waiting in the lobby over forty-five minutes.
- 5.
He has been waiting in the virtual queue a ticket to the music festival.
14 / wait vs expect
Wait is the physical act of staying in one place or letting time pass; expect is the mental belief that something will happen.
Side by side
Watch out
Wrong: I am expecting for the bus at the corner.Right: I am waiting for the bus at the corner.
Wrong: We are waiting a phone call from the manager tomorrow.Right: We are expecting a phone call from the manager tomorrow.
Remember
Wait is for the clock; expect is for the mind.
Quick check
Fill the gap with one of the two options.
- 1.
I didn't to see you at the gym so early today.
- 2.
Most gamers now a major patch to fix the bugs immediately after a new title launches.
- 3.
We do not the courier to arrive today because the tracking app shows a significant delay.
- 4.
I'll for you outside the station after the concert ends.
- 5.
You should for the battery to reach twenty percent before you plug in your electric car.
15 / win vs beat
Win takes the activity or prize as its direct object, whereas beat takes the opponent as its direct object.
Side by side
Watch out
Wrong: It was a very close match, but we finally beat.Right: It was a very close match, but we finally won.
Wrong: The blue team played well and won the red team.Right: The blue team played well and beat the red team.
Remember
Win the game; beat the player.
Quick check
Fill the gap with one of the two options.
- 1.
The local underdog managed to the reigning champion in the final round of the gaming tournament.
- 2.
Users can a premium subscription by sharing their fitness goals on the social media app this week.
- 3.
We need a better strategy if we want to our rivals.
- 4.
You need to your best time on the cycling app to unlock the new virtual city route.
- 5.
She worked incredibly hard to the first prize in the tournament.
16 / lose vs miss
Lose is for things you no longer have or games you fail to win, while miss is for things you fail to hit, see, or attend.
Side by side
Watch out
Wrong: Did you miss your wallet at the restaurant yesterday?Right: Did you lose your wallet at the restaurant yesterday?
Wrong: I lost the bus this morning because I woke up late.Right: I missed the bus this morning because I woke up late.
Remember
Lose a possession; miss a connection.
Quick check
Fill the gap with one of the two options.
- 1.
Fans will the live stream of the concert if they do not check the time zone.
- 2.
I usually the start of the remote meeting because my internet connection is unstable.
- 3.
The team played well but they are likely to the championship final.
- 4.
Gamers often their progress if the cloud server fails to sync before the app closes.
- 5.
She was disappointed to the opening keynote at the conference.
17 / remember vs remind
Remember is the internal act of recalling information, while remind is the external act of making someone else recall it.
Side by side
to recall information from your own mind
I cannot remember where I parked the car this morning.
She remembered to lock the door before she left the house.
to cause someone else to remember
Please remind me to call the doctor at three o'clock.
That song always reminds him of his childhood in the city.
Watch out
Wrong: I need to remind your phone number before I leave.Right: I need to remember your phone number before I leave.
Wrong: Please remember me to buy some milk on the way home.Right: Please remind me to buy some milk on the way home.
Remember
Remember is in your head; remind is from someone else.
Quick check
Fill the gap with one of the two options.
- 1.
The fitness app will you to stand up and stretch during your long remote work shifts.
- 2.
Please your friends to bring their own reusable bags when we go to the farmers market.
- 3.
Most gamers can the exact moment they first explored the open world of their favorite title.
18 / hope vs wish
Hope describes a desire for a possible or likely future, while wish describes a desire for an impossible situation or something contrary to current reality.
Side by side
Watch out
Wrong: I wish that you have a great time at the party tonight.Right: I hope that you have a great time at the party tonight.
Wrong: I hope I were taller so I could reach the top shelf.Right: I wish I were taller so I could reach the top shelf.
Remember
Hope is for possibilities; wish is for fantasies.
Quick check
Fill the gap with one of the two options.
- 1.
The doctors the new treatment will lead to a full recovery.
- 2.
I the local gym adds more power yoga classes to the schedule next month.
- 3.
Fans the new fantasy series on the streaming platform gets renewed for a second season.
- 4.
I my outdated electric car had a longer battery range for these weekend road trips.
19 / meet vs know
Meet is the first encounter or arrival; know is the ongoing state of familiarity.
Side by side
Watch out
Wrong: I want to know your sister at the party tonight.Right: I want to meet your sister at the party tonight.
Wrong: I met him for ten years and he is a great guy.Right: I have known him for ten years and he is a great guy.
Remember
Meet is the handshake; know is the friendship.
Quick check
Fill the gap with one of the two options.
- 1.
Do you the new manager well enough to ask for a favor?
- 2.
Remote workers often their colleagues for the first time during the annual company retreat.
- 3.
Regular users of the fitness app the benefit of tracking their heart rate during a workout.
- 4.
It was a pleasure to finally the rest of the design team.
- 5.
The team members will in the group chat before the first match of the season.
20 / wear vs dress
Wear is the state of having clothes on your body; dress is the act of putting them on.
Side by side
Watch out
Wrong: She is dressing a beautiful silk scarf today.Right: She is wearing a beautiful silk scarf today.
Wrong: I need to wear my children before we leave for the park.Right: I need to dress my children before we leave for the park.
Remember
Wear is the status; dress is the process.
Quick check
Fill the gap with one of the two options.
- 1.
Most employees a formal suit to the annual board meeting.
- 2.
Please wait in the hallway while I for the dinner party.
- 3.
Most players smart watches to track their performance during the weekly football match.
- 4.
Fans of the streaming series often shirts featuring the main character at gaming conventions.
- 5.
I usually in professional attire before joining the morning video call with the remote team.
21 / use vs wear
Use applies to tools, systems, or objects operated for a purpose, while wear applies to clothing, jewelry, or items carried on the body.
Side by side
Watch out
Wrong: The construction workers wear heavy machinery to dig the foundation.Right: The construction workers use heavy machinery to dig the foundation.
Wrong: I have to use a suit and tie for the interview tomorrow.Right: I have to wear a suit and tie for the interview tomorrow.
Remember
You use a phone; you wear a watch.
Quick check
Fill the gap with one of the two options.
- 1.
Fans often the team colors when they go to the stadium for a big football match.
- 2.
The fitness coach likes to a smart watch to track heart rate during every morning workout.
- 3.
Most employees now a video call app to attend team meetings while they work from home.
- 4.
I need to your laptop for a moment to check my email.
- 5.
She decided to her favorite silver necklace to the wedding reception.
22 / find vs find out
Find is for locating physical objects; find out is for discovering information.
Side by side
locating a physical object or person
I need to find my passport before we leave for the airport.
find out
discovering facts, news, or hidden information
We need to find out what time the train actually arrives.
Watch out
Wrong: I need to find out my lost wallet.Right: I need to find my lost wallet.
Wrong: Call the hotel to find the check-in time.Right: Call the hotel to find out the check-in time.
Remember
Find the keys; find out the truth.
Quick check
Fill the gap with one of the two options.
- 1.
I need to check the group chat to the exact time of the football match.
- 2.
Did you your phone under the sofa cushions this morning?
- 3.
She was shocked to that the shop had closed.
- 4.
The fitness app helps users the nearest outdoor gym in their city using a map.
- 5.
Viewers often browse social media to if their favorite streaming series will have another season.
23 / look for vs find
Look for is the active process of searching, while find is the successful result of that search.
Side by side
look for
the active process of searching
I need to look for my keys before we can leave the house.
the moment of discovery or success
It took three hours, but I finally managed to find my lost passport.
Watch out
Wrong: I spent all morning trying to find my glasses, but I still haven't seen them.Right: I spent all morning trying to look for my glasses, but I still haven't seen them.
Wrong: I hope I can look for a new job by the end of the month.Right: I hope I can find a new job by the end of the month.
Remember
Look for is the hunt; find is the prize.
Quick check
Fill the gap with one of the two options.
- 1.
Did you the information you needed in that old textbook?
- 2.
She spent all afternoon in the library to a specific manuscript.
- 3.
Many remote workers now digital nomad visas to live in different cities while they work.
- 4.
When you a new series to stream, the algorithm suggests shows based on your history.
- 5.
It is often difficult to a charging station for an electric car in the city center.
24 / look at vs look for
Look at directs the eyes toward something visible, while look for is the act of searching for something missing.
Side by side
directing your eyes toward something
Please look at the whiteboard while I explain the new grammar rule.
look for
searching for a missing object
I need to look for my passport before we leave for the airport.
Watch out
Wrong: Stop and look for that beautiful painting on the wall.Right: Stop and look at that beautiful painting on the wall.
Wrong: I spent an hour trying to look at my lost wallet.Right: I spent an hour trying to look for my lost wallet.
Remember
Look at the view; look for your keys.
Quick check
Fill the gap with one of the two options.
- 1.
You should a quiet co-working space if your home internet is too slow for video calls.
- 2.
Many shoppers now sustainable packaging when they order groceries through a mobile app.
- 3.
We stood on the balcony to the sunset over the city.
- 4.
The fans began to the giant screen to see the VAR decision during the final minutes.
- 5.
They spent the entire afternoon in the woods to mushrooms.
25 / look like vs be like
Look like describes physical appearance, while be like describes character, personality, or general nature.
Side by side
look like
describing physical appearance and visual traits
He looks like his father, especially around the eyes and jawline.
be like
Not English
describing personality, character, or inherent qualities
Remember
Look like = Eyes. Be like = Soul.
Quick check
Fill the gap with one of the two options.
- 1.
Does the new office building the sketches we saw last month?
- 2.
Modern electric cars often traditional luxury sedans to attract older buyers in the city.
- 3.
The latest fitness apps video games to make daily exercise more engaging for young users.
- 4.
The new manager seems to a mentor who encourages the team during remote work sessions.